Ramblings of a Bibliophile

Genre: Fiction, Dark Fantasy
Edition: Paperback ; Provided by the author
Page Count: 335
Pub. Date: March 2, 2010
Series: Part of The Harrowing Series

My Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
Amazon.com: N/A
Goodreads: 4.00 (Average)

Recommended For: Mature readers. Adult fans of dark fantasy, paranormal books.

My Summary & Thoughts:

If I had to use a term to describe and Falling, Fly, it would be "kind of like falling down the rabbit hole." The characters are unusual, the surroundings imaginative, and the story unique. The book falls outside of the mainstream and is, in essence, a tale about desire vs. love, and the differences between.

From the beginning we are introduced to Olivia, the fallen angel-turned-vampire of our story. For thousands of years she has fed off the desire and fear of man but has never tasted it for herself. Her mission of redemption long lived has lost its meaning and the task of conformity no longer suits her. So she flies back to Ireland, to the Hotel of the Damned buried deep underground to lose herself in her damnation.

Dominic O'Shaughnessy is an innovative neuroscientist who is breaking ground in his field - while trying to forget a past that spans the last thousand years. He is a reborn. Cursed to immortality and visions of lives past lived, loves past lost. He believes his curse to be nothing more than delusions trapped somewhere in the recesses of his brain. But what fate reveals could be more than his rational mind can handle. Until he meets his guardian angel.

The story is told from two alternating points of view; one from Olivia in the first person and the other from Dominic in the third person. Two very contrasting characters, seeking different ideals, who come together through somewhat fateful circumstance. Their chemistry is magnetic and the sexual tension taught. So much so that I was a bit relieved when the book ended because it was a bit of sensory overload. But the two complex characters really bring a fantastic dynamic to the book. Their character development from start to finish is strong and really well done. And that's not to forget the secondary characters who really help set the tone, providing a little bit of wit and a side of horror that adds to the ambiance of the novel.

The aspect I enjoyed most about and Falling, Fly is the writing. It spans so many different elements while providing abstract details that pack a poetic justice. The prose is almost regal and quite enchanting, giving the reader a certain sense of artistry that you can't help but get lost in.

But where and Falling, Fly fell just short for me is the pacing. It's fairly steady throughout most of the book, providing a lot of rich description for the unusual surroundings and the characters, but the climax happened a lot later than I would have liked. The first two-thirds of the novel is fueled on sexual tension and the dynamic between the characters, which sustained me long enough to reach that point but it felt like a long time coming once I got there.

Overall Consensus: and Falling, Fly is a dark tale that weaves vampire mythology, neurological science, biblical ideals, and hints of steampunk into a sinister story full of sensuality and rich symbolism. It's unique in its portrayal of representing vampires as fallen angels and I was quite intrigued by Skyler's vision of L'Otel Matillide. The prose is mesmerizing and that is a quality the sets this novel apart from other dark fantasy books I've read in the past. It tackles many different avenues of desire and, in my honest opinion, it portrays vampires as the blood-thirsty beings they should be. A definite read for those looking for a book outside of the norm.

P.S. Please keep in mind that this is an adult read. Meaning explicit scenes and language. Pursue at your own leisure.

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, New Adult (don't know what that is? read about it here)
Edition: Softcover (Mass Market PB)
Page Count: 677
Pub. Date: October 1, 2008
Series: Book 1 of the Night Angel Trilogy

My Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
Amazon.com: 4 stars
Goodreads: 4.13 (Average)

Recommended For: Fans of intense, dark fantasy/adventure novels with a slight magical twist, Readers who like a book with a punch

My Summary:

Azoth is a guild rat, an orphan, a worthless piece of skin living in the hell of the Warrens. Accompanied by his two friends, an older boy named Jarl and a tiny young girl who goes by the name Doll Girl, the three outcasts ban together and try to survive with little or nothing to their name. But being members of a guild called The Black Dragon, they are forced under the hand of a boy named Rat; the Fist of their guild, who's in charge of maintaining order and providing pain however he sees fit. Incurring constants slews of hatred and being a subject of humiliation, all Azoth wants is to not be afraid anymore. Until an opportunity presents itself and brings him across the most feared man in the city...Durzo Blint. A man who fears nothing.

The Way of Shadows is about a boy's arduous journey to discover within himself the makings of an assassin, or better yet, a wetboy. A life so dilute of morals that he must forever swear off love and embrace his new identity. Guided by his master Durzo Blint, Azoth learns to fight with every weapon known to man and to make poisons that can kill in an instant. But in order to continue on his dark path, Azoth must stand by his master's creed:

Life is empty. Life is meaningless. When we take a life, we aren't taking anything of value. Wetboys are killers. That's all we do. That's all we are. There are no poets in this bitter business.

It's a lesson ingrained in Azoth's brain since the moment he took to the shadows. His new path takes him to places he'd never thought he'd tread - full of deceit, dangerous politics, and the uncertainty of living to see the next day. But unlike his master, Azoth cannot quite shrug off the innocent person he used to be.

As the story progresses, so does Azoth's abilities. But something is wrong. For some reason or another, his Talent, which sets apart an assassin from a wetboy, cannot break free of its bonds. He is broken, which makes him worthless. He gets one last chance to prove himself but the chance is not an easy one.

Meanwhile, the land of Cenaria is in a bit of upheaval as a new king, unworthy of his duty, is settling in to take the throne. The Sa'kage, an underworld society feared by the people, are taking more and more under their power and making cowards of the those who would oppose them. But all the while, an unforeseen force is making its way through the lands with the evil intention of invading Cenaria and killing all those who stand in their way.

My Thoughts:

It is very hard to narrow down my thoughts on The Way of Shadows simply because there is too much to tell! I can't even begin to describe to you the the vast world author Brent Weeks takes us through. Though this is a work of fiction, there is a sad tale of truth to be told.

This book has it all: grit, intensity, action, adventure, magic, violence, promiscuity, romance...and not in that order. The Way of Shadows delves deeply into a dark world full of violence and despair. A world so devoid or morals that it's hard to decipher right from wrong. But there is also light at the end of the gloomy tunnel. Hope and redemption rise hand in hand along side all the darkness that tries to keep it in the shadows.

Another notable aspect of the novel is it very rarely lost stride, presenting the reader with non-stop action and a relatively fast pace. But more importantly, the characters were always solid and engaging. Each had their own strengths, weaknesses, and secrets to tell in their own time. It all unraveled perfectly with the suspenseful twists and turns this book provided.

What is keeping this novel from being a 5-star read in my opinion, is the fact that there is just so much detail and so many characters that it can be quite overwhelming and slightly difficult to grasp EVERYTHING that happens in the book. And at times it was a little confusing because loose ends were left open, only to come back to them later in the book. But honestly, in the grand scheme of things, it does little to take away from the incredible journey all tied up in 677 pages. This novel runs deep with evil, intrigue, and plot twists, but the more you read, the more everything starts to piece itself together again. Events happened that I never even thought of and it kept me on my toes throughout the book.

You know, I had no idea what to expect when I first picked it up. I bought it on a whim and was rewarded with a story filled to the brim with intensity and anticipation. Please take note that this is in no way a light read. You will be shuffled from hope, to curiosity, to despair like a rag doll. I wouldn't suggest this to any young readers due to the explicit violence (and some abuse) or those who are easily squeamish. If you're looking for a book with grit and, quite frankly, brass, than this is a book right down your alley.

I cannot wait to continue on with the Night Angel Trilogy!

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult
Edition: Hardcover; Library
Page Count: 461
Pub. Date: October 5, 2009
Series: Companion to Graceling

My Rating: 4.5 Stars (out of 5)
Amazon.com: 4.5 stars
Goodreads: 4.27 (Average)

Recommended For: Everyone, Fans of Fantasy, Readers who love a strong female protagonist.

(First Impression: Gorgeous cover. Definitely grabs your attention at first glance)
(Reaction after I finished: I don't remember. I might have flailed around a bit, it was just that good.)

My Summary:

Fire is a monster. Or rather half-human, half-monster. Her viciously bright hair and her flawless appearance make her an outcast in the world she lives in. But her beauty isn't the only thing that keeps her displaced from society. Fire has the ability to read and control people's minds. Unlike her father, she chooses not to inflict her ability on the weak minded. But she soon learns that there is more to her power than she could ever dream.

The story takes place in a mountainous and rough world. Separated by the impassible Western mountains and hidden away from the Seven Kingdoms, The Dells is a land filled with treachery, deceit, and a kingdom heading towards impending war. Among the cities of The Dells is King's City - home of the royal family who are plagued by a legacy of a king turned to madness. With the kingdom on a slow descent to ruin, King Nash must right his father's wrongs and prevent the land from falling into the plotting hands of two conniving lords. But the war isn't the only thing threatening to disturb the peace. A young boy with two different colored eyes has plans of his own.

A story wrought with tension, despair, hope, and love - it will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat until you finish.

My Review:

Taking place at least 30 years before its companion, Graceling, Kristin Cashore delivers such a rich and compelling tale that will hold you in rapture. It reveals a whole new world beyond the lands of the Seven Kingdoms, full of secrets, hidden agendas, and deadly creatures. It's dark, beautiful, and unfolds with a certain elegance that is borderline perfection. The pacing is one of the strong points of the novel and takes the reader completely through the journey and envelopes them in a mixture of emotions. Fire, herself, is a force to be reckoned with. She is such a strong female protagonist and provides so much intensity to the story while also giving the reader a sense of warmth and independence.

I loved how easily I got lost within the pages. So mixed with intrigue, love, complexity, morality, and more, that I never wanted it to end.

The only thing that is keeping Fire from a 5 star rating in my books, is the ending. I felt it was "okay" rather than spectacular but it did tie up the story nicely. Trust me when I say that it does not, in any way, take away from the quality of the book.

Notable aspects:

• * I admire Kristin Cashore's ability to give two distinct voices to two separate heroines in both Graceling and Fire. They are strong, original, and both unique in their own way.


• * The writing itself is just so eloquent and flowing with purpose. I can't recall a time when the novel lost pace or the writing became uninteresting. And the descriptions are so teeming with vivacity and life that it is easy to wrap yourself around the words.


• * Like Graceling, Fire has a strong plot of romance, but it doesn't overwhelm the feel of the book. It is wonderfully developed and gives to the overall story, rather than taking away from it.


• * A great secondary cast. Each has their own sense of individuality and contribute wonderfully to the developing story. They easily grow on you and you'll find yourself completely enveloped in their lives in just a short time.
  

For those of you who are wondering, you needn't have read Graceling before Fire in order to enjoy it. Come to think of it, Fire works just fine as a standalone novel. Although, I can pretty much guarantee once you finish it you'll be grabbing for Graceling with hasty hands. Whether you read it before the first, or read it alone, just make sure you READ it, period! A worthy and satisfying sequel (or rather prequel) to its companion, Graceling.

Amazon.com review:

The Magician's Elephant tells the tale of Peter Augustus Duchene, a ten-year-old orphan who receives an unbelievable piece of information from the local fortuneteller. Peter learns that his fate is tied to an elephant that has inexplicably fallen from the sky when a magician's trick goes terribly wrong. Why did it happen? And, how can an elephant possibly change the course of Peter's life? This darkly atmospheric, yet hopeful tale, demonstrates that when the answers to life’s big questions are opaque or unforthcoming, all is not lost. DiCamillo's rhythmic writing, combined with Yoko Tanaka's mysterious black-and-white illustrations, enchants and calls out to our sincerest wishes and dreams (recommended for readers ages 8-13). --Lauren Nemroff

Genre: Children, Fantasy, Fiction
Page Count: 208
Edition: Hardcover; Library
Pub. Date: September 8, 2009

My Rating: 4.5 stars
Amazon.com: 5 stars
Goodreads: 4 stars (average)

(Initial reaction after I finished: PRECIOUSSSSS)

Set in a somber world, The Magician's Elephant will bring light & warmth to any heart. What a precious gem of a story! Intended for readers of a young age but definitely enjoyed by all. It's about dreams, hope, and making the impossible, possible. There is no age limit for such things.

"What If?" he said to the policemen.
"Why not?" said Leo back to him. He smiled.
"Enough," said Gloria.
"No, said Leo Matienne, "not enough. Never enough. We must ask ourselves these questions as often as we dare. How will the world change if we do not question it?"

This books is filled with many great pieces and just leaves you with a feeling of goodwill and satisfaction. So much so, that you just want to share it with everyone. I cannot recommend it enough. If you are every having a rough day or are in dire need of a pick-me-up, this is the book for you.

All this praise and why 4.5 stars? Well, because it was so short! 208 pages just wasn't enough!